FROM: Rosemary I. Waldorf, Mayor
SUBJECT: Proposed Process for Identifying and Addressing Issues of Mutual Concern for the Town and the University
DATE: October 23, 2000
The purpose of this memorandum is to advise the Council and citizens of my present intent to appoint a Mayor’s committee to begin a process of identifying and addressing issues of mutual concern for the Town and the University. Mayor pro tem Pavão and Council Members Foy and Strom would serve on the committee.
The committee, along with Town staff, would provide me with advice and support as I work with Chancellor Moeser and members of his staff to develop a mutually agreed upon list of key issues and priorities for discussion. I would expect the issues listed below to have high priority for the Council, based on my conversations with each of you. Chancellor Moeser has indicated that the University would be willing to prepare a similar list of its key issues and priorities.
Since the Chancellor extended this invitation to enter into discussions, we of the Council have reflected on his proposal. We view this process as an important opportunity. We all know that several important and unresolved town-gown issues call for our attention. The goal of these discussions is to reach fair and thoughtful resolution to those issues. The agenda is ambitious in both its length and importance, and we may not resolve all questions to the satisfaction of the Council, the University and broader community. Nonetheless, it is extremely important that we apply ourselves to this effort with energy and good faith.
Both the Chancellor and I believe that it would be helpful to engage a facilitator to assist in organizing and moderating the discussions. We would seek a facilitator who is from the local area, but who does not have ties to either the Town or the University.
When the issues have been discussed and tentative recommendations are put forward, I would report them to the Council for consideration, for public comment, and for refinement. I then would return to the discussions with the advice of the Council and proceed to work toward final recommendations. In a similar manner, it is possible that the Chancellor may need to consult the University’s Board of Trustees or other groups on certain issues before final recommendations could be agreed upon during our discussions.
The ultimate report arising from meetings with the Chancellor and his staff would depend on what recommendations have been agreed upon with the Chancellor and what issues need further attention at the conclusion of talks. My recommendations on the issues would again be presented to the Council for consideration and public comment before action would be initiated.
I believe that this work should begin as quickly as possible, and my conversations with each of you have reinforced this assessment. Developing reasonable approaches to resolution of some of the key issues of mutual concern for the Town and the University will take several months, given the limits of time that can be devoted to the process and the need for reasonable deliberation. Public comment and debate of recommendations that may emerge is an important part of the process and also will take time. So we need to begin soon.
I will proceed to appoint a Mayor’s committee unless the Council takes action to indicate it objects. I would welcome further input from each of you on the proposed process and the issues list. I have prepared a draft list that includes the key points developed from our individual discussions, with the thought that some items could be considered at a later time. I know that you share my belief that it is important for the public to have an opportunity to offer additional suggestions, and we welcome such suggestions in writing at any time.
Preservation and strengthening of neighborhoods adjacent the central campus of the University; protection of these areas from undesired consequences of University activities; mitigation of impacts on nearby neighborhoods; improvements in traffic management and transit service.
Future of the Horace Williams Tract
Future of the airport.
Preservation and strengthening of neighborhoods adjacent the Horace Williams tract; protection of these areas from undesired consequences of University activities; mitigation of impacts on nearby neighborhoods; reconsideration of special zoning district regulations and related legislation.
Consideration of extension and expansion of Town lease for public works and transit facilities.
Fiscal Equity
Financing of local government services provided to the University; buttressing financial strength of the Town by keeping private properties on the tax rolls; formalizing former Chancellor Hooker’s fiscal equity pledge for future Horace Williams tract development.
Transportation Services
Short-term and long-term transit operations and funding; expansion of park-ride services; potential joint development of parking deck to serve visitors, students, staff and faculty working downtown, using downtown services and visiting north campus.
Housing
Provision of University housing for students to minimize growth in off-campus living; provision of employer-employee housing for staff and entry-level faculty.